Richard Johnson

1945 - 2011

Wednesday, September 7, 2011, Lewiston Morning Tribune Online

Richard E. Johnson, 65

Richard E. (Dick) Johnson passed away Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, at home. He suffered with COPD, emphysema and lung cancer the last three years. Dick was born Oct. 30, 1945, to Harry and Irene Johnson in Lewiston.

He started elementary school at Whitman. In 1955 the family built a home and moved to the Orchards, where he attended Warner Grade School. His class was the first to attend Sacajawea Junior High School. Dick graduated from Lewiston High School in 1964. While in high school, he worked many summers in Glacier National Park.

He began his career at Potlatch Corp. in 1964. Dick worked in the Wetlap division for a couple of years before enlisting in the U.S. Army and being stationed in Germany. Upon returning to Lewiston he continued working at Potlatch, entering the apprentice program to become a millwright on the paper side, which later included the tissue mill. Dick retired at age 55 after working 36 1/2 years.

Dick was active with AA, being a co-founder of the Grassroots meeting. He would have received his 13-year pin in October.
On Aug. 31, 1974, Dick married Kay Hamilton at the family ranch near Nezperce.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Johnson; mother Irene Johnson; brother Dale Johnson; daughter Tacie Johnson; and two sons, Aric Johnson and Telena Leighton, and Kayd and Kim Johnson; Dick was blessed to have six grandchildren, Kaylee, Tanner, Tayton, Layla, Silvia and Addison Johnson, with number seven to be born soon.

Spouse's Name: KayCurrent residence: LewistonOccupation: Millright-PotlatchSpouse's Occupation: EES AssistantFamily: Aric 20; Kayd 19; Tacie 10.Number of grandchildren: 0Places lived in the last 10 years: LewistonHobbies and other interests: Fishing, boating, camping.Plans or goals for the next 10 years: Finish work and retire.Major highlights of the last 10 years: I have had the joy of seeing two boys graduate from LHS and share in their activities. I have been married for 20 years and anticipate the growing up of our daughter.Other News:

20 Year Reunion 1984

Spouse's Name: KayCurrent residence: Lewiston IDOccupation: Millwright-PFISpouse's Occupation: Homemaker-VolunteerFamily: Aric 10; Kayd 9; Tracie 11 months.
Three years in the Army, in Germany 1 out of three years. Married 10 years. Didn't get married until 29.